Nokia Shows Support for 3D Printing, Releases Template for Lumia 820

Why go to a store and purchase a smartphone case when you can just print one yourself? It may not necessarily be the future of accessories, but Nokia is in the belief that 3D printing, which has helped change industries before, will be a huge boon for the mobile community.

The company on Friday said it has a newfound commitment to 3D printing, explaining that the technology’s live changing character is what drew the company in. “The Internet did it and so did mobile phones,” Nokia’s Joel Willians said. “Now, it looks like 3D printing could join this exclusive list.”

Starting today, a 3D template is available for Lumia 820 owners, including case specs, recommended materials, and best practices. “Everything someone versed in 3D printing needs to print their own custom Lumia 820 case.”

While this might not percolate into all of Nokia’s devices, the company sees 3D printing tech as a way to create “more modular and customizable phones.” Nokia’s John Kneeland, Community & Developer Marketing Manager, said that might give entrepreneurs the opportunity to “build phones precisely tailored to the needs of his or her local community.”

Kneeland wildly offers up the possibilities: “You want a waterproof, glow-in-the-dark phone with a bottle-opener and a solar charger?” You certainly have my attention, Mr. Kneeland. Unfortunately, 3D printing isn’t one of those technologies you typically hear much about, so your dream phone might still be a ways off.